RESIDENTS across Kidderminster could suffer noise and nuisance into the early hours if a pub's bid to adopt nightclub-style hours is successful, it has been claimed.

Giving the green light to the application by the Watermill, Park Lane, next month will "open the floodgates" to applications by others, Councillor Stephen Roberts warned.

He said a successful bid could also wreck efforts by the police, council and other organisations to build community safety partnerships with local residents.

More than 40 people have backed a petition by Park Lane Residents Association opposing extended licensing and entertainment hours until 1am, from Tuesday to Friday, and until 2am on Saturday and Sunday and 12.30am on Monday.

Mr Roberts and fellow Sutton Park ward councillor Peter Carter have sent letters of objection, detailing specific areas of concern.

Mr Roberts has highlighted the residential nature of the area which would be increased with the construction of 82 new homes on land at the rear of the pub.

He also catalogued anti-social behaviour suffered by residents at Larches Care Home, Larches Road; noise heard by residents as far away as Aggborough during popular disco or karaoke evenings and accompanying car parking problems in streets nearby.

He added police did not have the manpower to patrol the area properly and respond quickly to problems of anti-social behaviour.

"There is absolutely no doubt about the residents' strength of feeling on this issue and it's now down to the licensing committee to listen to them and look at the evidence. I hope they will reject this application," he said.

The Watermill owner, Scottish & Newcastle Retail, said the pub was "popular, friendly and trouble-free." The application will be heard on Monday, December 3.